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A review by imoganthebogan
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is my first book by any of the Brontë sisters but I have a feeling Anne will be my favourite. This classics’ romantic and beautiful prose was often contradictory to the pain documented on the page resulting in a heartbreaking and unflinching portrayal of domestic abuse.
I don’t think I can understate what a courageous , selfless and kind character our heroine Helen is. This is further highlighted by the time period this was written in and how controversial this story was at the time. Anne should be commended for providing such a raw and unfiltered view of society and the patriarchal institution of marriage that argues for equality between the sexes, universal salvation and respect for all.
I liked the portrayal of the cycle of addiction which included illustrations of people succumbing to their temptations but also others overcoming their vices. It argued that whilst dangerous, people had the ability to break this cycle. However, this was tempered by the notion that the individual themselves could only make that choice highlighted by Helen’s doomed attempts to save her husband from his sinful vices.
My only critique of this book were the male characters. I found almost all reprehensible and our main character Gilbert did not sufficiently seperate himself from the portrayal of men as only loving women as an object that could be useful for themselves. I would have much preferred the book to be in Helen’s POV entirely as my favourite parts were those that centred her internal monologue.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those wanting to read an honest and feminist portrayal of marriage in the Victorian era that still feels relevant in the 21st century.
I don’t think I can understate what a courageous , selfless and kind character our heroine Helen is. This is further highlighted by the time period this was written in and how controversial this story was at the time. Anne should be commended for providing such a raw and unfiltered view of society and the patriarchal institution of marriage that argues for equality between the sexes, universal salvation and respect for all.
I liked the portrayal of the cycle of addiction which included illustrations of people succumbing to their temptations but also others overcoming their vices. It argued that whilst dangerous, people had the ability to break this cycle. However, this was tempered by the notion that the individual themselves could only make that choice highlighted by Helen’s doomed attempts to save her husband from his sinful vices.
My only critique of this book were the male characters. I found almost all reprehensible and our main character Gilbert did not sufficiently seperate himself from the portrayal of men as only loving women as an object that could be useful for themselves. I would have much preferred the book to be in Helen’s POV entirely as my favourite parts were those that centred her internal monologue.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those wanting to read an honest and feminist portrayal of marriage in the Victorian era that still feels relevant in the 21st century.